We have already turned hundreds of our readers into life-savers by encouraging them to give blood and learn first-aid. Now, we are calling on people to make a difference by signing up to the organ register.

It is a call which Ross is enthusiastically backing. The graphic designer, of Edward Street, Derby, was struck down by a rare condition out of the blue.

He said: "It was all such a surprise. Just a couple of days earlier, I'd been leading a normal life."

He added: "I just don't think people are aware of how many people would benefit from a new organ.